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One of my very favorite natural antioxidants is Turmeric. Turmeric dates back thousands of years ago, having been used frequently in India and China. The active ingredient in Turmeric is curcumin, which gives the turmeric it’s yellow appearance. Turmeric is found in a root form, has an orangey/yellow color to it, and resembles a cross between a small carrot and a ginger root. It is actually related to ginger.

WHY IS TURMERIC SO HEALTHY?

Turmeric is about 8 times more potent than Vitamin E and it is also been found to be stronger than Vitamin C when it comes to it’s antioxidant properties.

Turmeric also helps with inflammation, helps promote healthy skin and coat, helps build the immune system by combating free radicals and helps improve digestion, as well as heal ulcers and gastritis. Research has shown that Curcumin has even helped prevent or reduce some cancers. Turmeric is also great as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis. Another great health benefit of Turmeric (Curcumin) for pets is it has been known to eradicate worms!

American Academy of Pain Management talks about the health benefits of turmeric. “Turmeric is one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatories available,” explains Dr. Randy J. Horwitz, the medical director of the Arizona Centre for Integrative Medicine and assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
Dr. Horwitz also cites a 2007 University of Arizona study that found this potent anti-inflammatory to reduce the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Clinical studies have shown that curcumin in turmeric is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals which cause the painful inflammation and damage to joints affected by arthritis.
Turmeric is my go-to natural remedy when it comes to inflammation for my pets as well as my family.

WHERE CAN I GET TURMERIC (CURCUMIN)?

You can purchase it just about anywhere. Health food stores, any Indian specialty market and even some local grocery stores carry it. I recently purchased a turmeric root from Whole Foods Market. You can grate it pretty easily and it does not have a strong flavor, so your pet should not even notice it. Turmeric also comes in powder form as well as in capsules.

HOW DO I GIVE IT TO MY PETS?

As always, I recommend anything in it’s fresh and natural state. However, if you cannot find turmeric root then you can always purchase Turmeric (Curcumin) in the form of a capsule or powder. Karen Becker, DVM, recommends “ you look for a high-quality, organic turmeric product and consider giving cats about 100 milligrams twice a day. Small to medium-sized dogs can be given 250 milligrams twice a day, and large to giant breeds should get 500 milligrams two to three times a day.

I have all three variations of Turmeric on hand in my house. I use the whole root and powder form a lot in cooking for my family, and the capsule form, which I take daily. I give each of my dog’s one 1160 mg. capsule daily. One of my female Great Danes had arthritis and I would give her three 1160 mg. capsules per day to help with her inflammation and arthritis. I could absolutely tell when I forgot to give her the Turmeric because her gait was noticeably stiff. When I started giving her Turmeric I believe I started noticing results within one weeks time.

Turmeric is one natural remedy that I absolutely recommend pet owners seeking nutritional advice for their dog or cat who has been diagnosed with cancer. It is particularly beneficial because of it’s high antioxidant properties and a is potent natural anti-inflammtory.

Please keep in mind that if you start to incorporate Turmeric (Curcumin) into your dog or cat’s diet you may see a change of color in their stool. Do not be alarmed. It is due to the natural orange color produced by the curcumin. I would also recommend starting it slowly and gradually increasing until the recommended daily dosage is acquired.

Written by: Brenda M. Tobin-Flood, Cert. C.N.

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